The Fish & Wildlife Department is evaluating the impact current deer hunting regulations have on deer hunter satisfaction while ensuring future season structures and harvest regulations continue to promote deer herd health. The evaluation process included public meetings held January 30 and 31, and also includes the deer hunter survey, the formation of three regional working groups and five public hearings to occur this March through May.

“We are interested in your opinions regarding current deer management strategies and your deer hunting objectives in Vermont,” said Adam Murkowski, Vermont’s deer team leader. “We are conducting public surveys, both on our website and at the public meetings, to learn more about hunters in the state, where they live and hunt, their ages and gender, what rates they participate in Vermont’s various deer hunting seasons, and their satisfaction.”

“The information gathered will be used to gauge how well different management options are accepted, to facilitate discussions among the regional working groups, and to help formulate a comprehensive deer management strategy for Vermont,” added Murkowski. “These data will provide important information to help us consider what kinds of season structures and harvest management techniques should be employed in the years ahead.”

Hunters are asked to fill out the deer management survey before February 22.